Umbrella type handbag



April 17, 1956 M. E. TENBER EIAL 2,742,071

UMBRELLA TYPE HANDBAG Filed Feb. 21, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig. 2

Fig./

20 a0 50 n I Muriel E. Tenber Sue B. Miller INVENTORS.

April 17, 1956 M. E. TENBER ETAL 2,742,071

UMBRELLA TYPE HANDBAG Filed Feb. 21, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 4

Muriel E. Tenber 508 B. Miller INVEN TORS.

BY WWW United States Patent 2,742,071 UMBRELLA TYPE HANDBAG Muriel E. Tenber and Sue B. Miller, Miami, Fla. Application February 21, 1955, Serial No. 489,338

Claims. c1. 150-28) This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in ladies accessories, and more specifically to an improved handbag.

For many years, it was the custom of ladies to carry umbrellas during the warm seasons of the year as part of their accessories. While this custom has been discontinued to a relatively great extent, ladies still carry handbags, and in view of this, it is the primary object of this invention to provide an improved ladys handbag which simulates an umbrellawhereby there may be provided a single ladys accessory which will follow the old custom and at the same time, provide a suitable handbag for a lady.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved ladys handbag which includes a bag member removable from a supporting frame, the bag member being form of cloth and being of colors which will match the ladys costume.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved ladys handbag in the form of an umbrella type member, the umbrella type member including a frame having a flexible bag member disposed therein, the bag member having a resilient ring in the upper portion thereof clamping the material of the bag against the frame soas to normally retain the bag member Within the I frame.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved umbrella type handbag which includes a frame simulating the frame, of an umbrella, the frame including all of the details of an umbrella and having a supporting ring for the simulated ribs, the supporting ring forming a support both for the handle of the handbag and for closures for the handbag. V

' These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of the handbag which is the subject of this invention and shows the, general outline thereof; 1

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the handbag of Figure l with portions thereof broken away and shown in section in order to clearly illustrate the relationship of closures with respect to an associated ring and bridge piece;

Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on a plane indicated by the section line 3-3 of Figure 1 and shows the relationship of the ribs of the frame of the handbag with respect to the ring, the bridge piece and the closures which form a retaining member for the ribs;

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially upon the plane indicated by the section line 4-4 of Figure 2 and shows the relationship between the flexible bag and the frame;

'Figure'S is a perspective view on a reduced scale of ice the frame with the flexible bag removed and the closures in open position;

Figure 6. is a reduced perspective view of the bag removed from the frame, a portion of the bag being broken away and shown in section in order to clearly show the position of the clamping ring in the upper part thereof; and

Figure 7 is a reduced fragmentary perspective view of the upper portion of the handbag and shows the flexible bag portion thereof being removed through an access opening in the retaining member.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there is illustrated a handbag, which is the subject of this invention, the handbag being referred to in general by reference numeral 10. The handbag 10 has the general appearance of an umbrella and includes a frame, which is referred to in general by reference numeral 12, and a bag member, which is referred to in general by reference numeral 1 5.

The frame 12, as is best illustrated in Figures 1 and 5, includes a pointed end piece 16 which is of a generally inverted conical outline. Extending upwardly from the upper end of the end piece 1% is a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs 18. The lower ends of the ribs 18 are embedded in the upper end of the end piece 16 and the ribs 1% diverge upwardly so as to be arranged in a generally inverted conical relation. The upper ends of the ribs 18 are secured to a retaining member which is referred to in general by reference numeral 20. The

retaining member 20 includesa ring 22 which has the upper ends of the ribs 18 embedded in the lower side thereof. Extending transversely across the ring 22 is a diametrically disposed bridge piece 24. The bridge piece 24 lies above the general plane of the ring 22.

The bridge piece 24 divides the ring 22 into a pair of access openings 26 and 28. i-lingedly secured to the bridge piece 2 on opposite sides thereof are closure members 3i and 32 which normally close the access opening 26 and 2%, respectively. The closure members 30 and 32 rest upon the ring 22 when in their closed positions.

Referring now to Figure 2 in particular, it will be seen that the closure member 30 is provided with a pair of projections 34 which are received in complementary recesses 36 formed in one side edge of the bridge piece 24-. The projections 34 are hingedly retained within the recesses 36 by hinge pins 38.

The closure member 3?. includes a pair of spaced projections 46, which are disposed opposite the projections 34. The projections 40 are received in the recesses 42 in the edge of the bridge piece 2% remote from the recesses 36. The projections 40 are pivotally connected to the bridge piece 24 by suitable hinge pins (not shown) which are identical to the hinge pins 38. The closure member 32 differs from the closure member 30 only in that the underside thereof is provided with a suitable mirror 44 which may be readily used when the closure member 32 is in an open position, as is best illustrated in Figure 5.

In order that the umbrella 10 may be easily carried, there is provided a handle 46. The handle 46 is provided at its upper end with a bend 43 in order to simulate a conventional type of umbrella handle. The handle 46 is provided at its lower end with a reduced portion 50. The reduced portion 50 is received in an aperture 52 formed in a central part of the bridge piece 24 and is retained therein by a locking pin 54.

Referring now to Figures 4 and 6 in particular, it will be seen that the bag 14 includes an inner layer 56 and an outer layer 53. The inner layer 55 is formed in two pieces with an outwardly disposed seam 60. Also, there is provided an outwardly disposed hem 62 at the upper edge thereof. The outer layer 58 is formed in two pieces and includes an inwardly disposed seam64. Further, it

is provided at its upper end with an inwardly disposed hem 66. It is preferred that the upper portions only of the layers 56 and 58 be secured together, so that the bag 14 may be turned inside out to permit proper cleaning of the inner layer 56.

It is to be noted that both of the layers 56 and 58 are generally conical 'in outline. However, if desired, the outer layer 58 may be provided with suitable cleats which will project between the ribs 13 so as to simulate folded portions of the covering of an umbrella.

It is also pointed out that the bag 14, which is intended to simulate the covering of an umbrella, may be of any desired type of material, but is preferably of a type of material matching an ensemble with which the handbag 10 will be carried. In order that the handbag 10 may be used with many types of outfits, there may be provided a plurality of bags 14 which will match various ensembles.

Inasmuch as the bag 14 is removable, it is necessary that there be provided a very simple, yet effective, holding means for the same. is positioned in the hem 62 a resilient ring 63. The ring 68 is preferably formed of spring steel, or other similar material, and is of a size so as to retain the upper portion of the bag 14 in compressive engagement with the ribs 18. Inasmuch as the ribs 18 converge upwardly, it will be readily apparent that the ring 68 will assume a position at the upper ends of the ribs 13 directly underlying the ring 22, as is best illustrated in Figure 4.

When it is desired to remove the bag 14, it is necessary to move one of the closures, such as the closure 30, as is viewed in Figure 7, to an open position. Then, by placing ones hand through the access opening 26, the ring 68 can be collapsed so that the bag 14 may be pulled through the access opening 26. The bag 14 may then either be washed or replaced by another similar bag.

It is preferred that the frame 12 will be of a color which will match numerous costumes. For example, the color of the frame 12 may be white. If further ornamentation of the handbag 10 is required, the handle 46 may be provided with a suitable ribbon (not shown) or other type of ornamentation which will blend with the coloring of the frame 12.

The foregoing is considered illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An umbrella type handbag comprising a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferentially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends of said ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining member, and a bag simulating an umbrella cover and being disposed in the general confines of said ribs, said bag having an open upper end, said retaining member forming a closure for said upper end of said bag.

2. An umbrella type handbag comprising ,a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferentially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends of said ribs, and ahandle secured to said retaining member, and a bag simulating an umbrella cover and being disposed in the general confines of said ribs, said bag having an open upper end, said retaining member forming a closure for said upper end of said bag, said retaining member having at least one access opening therein, a closure member normally closing said access opening.

'3. A11 umbrella'type handbag comprising aframesimulating an'umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferen- In order to accomplish this, there .tially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends of said ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining member, and a bag simulating an umbrella cover and being disposed in the general confines of said ribs, said bag having an open upper end, said retaining member forming a closure for said upper end of said bag, said retaining member having at least one access opening therein, a closure member normally closing said access opening, said bag being formed of fiexible material and being collapsible for removal through said access opening.

4. An umbrella type handbag comprising a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an .end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferentially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends of said ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining member, and a bag simulating an umbrella cover and being disposed in the general confines of said ribs, said bag having an open upper end, said retaining member forming a closure for said upper end of said bag, said bag being formed of flexible material and removable from said frame, a resilient ring disposed within said bag at said upper end thereof, said ring retaining said bag in compressed engagement with said ribs.

5. An umbrella type handbag comprising a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferentially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends ofsaid ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining member, and a bag simulating an umbrella cover and being disposed in the general confines of said ribs, said bag having an open upper end, said retaining member forming a closure for said upper end of said bag, said retaining member having at least one access opening therein, a closure member normally closing said access opening, said bag being formed of flexible material and removable from said frame, a resilient ring disposed within said bag at said upper end thereof, said ring retaining said bag in compressed engagement with said ribs, said bag being removable through said access opening.

6. ,An umbrella type handbag comprising a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferentially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends of said ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining member, and a bag simulating an umbrella cover and being disposed in the general confines of said ribs, said bag having an open upper end, said retaining member forming a closure for said upper end of said bag, said retaining member including a ring secured to upper ends of said ribs, a generally diametrically disposed bridge piece extending across said ring and forming access openings on opposite sides of said bridge piece, closures for said access openings hingedly connected to said bridge piece and seating on said ring.

7. An umbrella type handbag comprising a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferentially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends of said ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining member, and a bag simulating an umbrella cover and being disposed in the general confines of said ribs, said bag having an open upper end, said retaining member forming a closure for said upper end of said bag, said retaining member including a ring secured to upper ends of said ribs, a generally diametrically disposed bridge piece extending across said ring and forming access openings on opposite sides of said bridge piece, closures for said access openings hingedly connected to said piece andseating on said ring, said bag being formed of flexible material and being collapsible for removal through said access openings.

8. An umbrella type handbag comprising a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circum ferentially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends of said ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining member, and a bag simulating an umbrella cover and being disposed in the general confines of said ribs, said bag having an open upper end, said retaining member forming a closure for said upper end of said bag, said retaining member including a ring secured to upper ends of said ribs, a generally diametrically disposed bridge piece extending across said ring and forming access openings on opposite sides of said bridge piece, closures for said access openings hingedly connected to said bridge piece and seating on said ring, said bag being formed of flexible material and removable from said frame, a resilient ring disposed within said bag at said upper end thereof, said ring retaining said bag in compressed engagement with said ribs.

9. An umbrella type handbag comprising a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferentially spaced relation, a retaining ring secured to upper ends of said ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining ring, a generally diametrically disposed bridge piece extending across said retaining ring and forming access openings on opposite sides of said bridge piece, closures for said access openingshingedly connected to said bridge piece and seating on said retaining ring.

10. An umbrella type handbag comprising a frame simulating an umbrella frame and including an end piece, ribs diverging upwardly from said end piece in circumferentially spaced relation, a retaining member secured to upper ends of said ribs, and a handle secured to said retaining member, said retaining memberhaving at least one access opening therein, a closure member normally closing said access opening.

References Cited in the file of this patent Henry Nov. 23, 

